Multipurpose head covering

ABSTRACT

An apparatus that may be worn on the head extending from the top of the wearer&#39;s head down past their eyes in order to provide at least light screening. The apparatus may further include a substantially arc-shaped inset region configured to allow the nose of the wearer to protrude and not be covered by the apparatus, as well as one or more cushioning components that may be oriented circumferentially around the apparatus to provide comfort and protection for the head of the wearer when napping. Other configurations include features that may block sound and/or light from the wearer, as well as provide relief for physical ailments.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus that covers a wearershead, and more specifically, to a head covering apparatus includingfeatures which may allow the wearer to nap or sleep by blockingdisturbances such as light and noise in the surrounding environment.

2. Description of Prior Art

People are very busy in modern society. Work and family responsibilitiesoften require a large amount of time spent in motion. This travel mayconsist of local travel, for example, via public transportation to aplace of employment, or long distance travel, such as on an airplane,bus, train, etc. Regardless of the specific mode of conveyance, local orlong distance travel consumes substantial spans of time that arecontinuing to expand. For instance, more and more people are beingforced to move out of major cities due to escalating housing costs. Theresulting daily travel time needed to commute to and from work thenbecomes longer, requiring employees to wake up earlier in the morningand arrive home later at night. Further, as business continues to becomemore global, international travel has evolved into a regularrequirement, which may necessitate traveling for extended periods oftime, followed by long return trips.

Time spent traveling may be utilized in a variety of ways. Someemployees may use this time to catch up on work. Some people read or dopuzzles. However, a large segment of the populace uses this time to tryand recover some of the sleep forfeited in order to make the trip. Manypeople are not able to get at least eight hours of sleep a night due tothe requirements of work and family, and as a result, may try tosupplement their sleep on public transportation.

Sleeping on public transportation (e.g., a commuter train) may be adifficult task. The seats may not be conducive to finding a comfortableposition. For example, a passenger his/her their head on a window orwall may find it cold and unsanitary, not to mention the fact that thissort of transportation (as well as buses, planes, trains, etc.) arenecessarily well lit, which may be annoying to someone trying to nap.Further, passengers traveling in public transportation may be injuredwhen unexpected bumps are encountered, as their heads could bounceagainst a window, wall, etc. against which they are leaning. The impactof these exemplary environmental disturbances may be multiplied forthose who suffer from medical conditions such as chronic migraineheadaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, sinus pain or even ahangover.

During long-distance travel, for instance, if a long layover is involvedor if a traveler gets stuck at a transportation terminal due tosituations such as bad weather or airplane malfunction, it may beimpossible for some passengers to nap in a frenetic and well-litterminal. Further, when the traveler finally reaches their destinationthey may want to take a nap due to being exhausted from travel orneeding to refresh before an event, meeting, etc. This may be difficultin the case of international travel because it may still be early in theday at the traveler's destination. Light and or disturbances caused bydaily activities may be prohibitive to sleep. People may also beaffected by travel due to circumstances surrounding jet-lag. Thissituation may involve headaches, dizziness, nausea, etc., and sleepalone may not resolve the problem.

What is therefore needed is an apparatus that may be worn by a person inorder to provide a personal environment that may be conducive torelaxation (e.g., napping or sleeping), regardless of environmentdisturbances. This apparatus should be configurable with features usableduring casual wear (e.g., for keeping the wearer's head warm), for useduring napping in a public place, and may also include features to helpalleviate physical ailments (e.g., headaches).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention includes at least an apparatus that may be worn onthe head. The apparatus, in at least one configuration, may extend fromthe top of the wearer's head down past the eye area in order to provideat least light screening. The apparatus may further include asubstantially arc-shaped inset region configured to allow the nose ofthe wearer to protrude and not be covered by the apparatus, as well asone or more cushioning components that may be oriented circumferentiallyaround the apparatus to provide comfort and protection for the head ofthe wearer when napping. The apparatus may also include ear componentsto screen out noise.

The apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention, may further incorporate a semi-rigid insert adjacent to thesubstantially arc-shaped inset region. This semi-rigid insert may beutilized to provide better light and noise screening, as well as tofacilitate easy folding and storage of the lower extremity of theapparatus up so that it may be worn like a normal hat. The one or morecushioning components may be constructed in a variety of configurations.For example, the cushioning components may be filled with a solid orfluid shock absorbing material. In the case of a fluid filling, thecushioning components may be coupled together by holes or ports in orderto provide fluid communication. At least a pump, temperature controldevice and power source may further be incorporated in the wornapparatus to both circulate the fluid in the cushioning components andcontrol the temperature of this fluid. In this manner, the one or morecushioning components may be maintained at a designated temperature toprovide, for example, therapeutic relief for a physical ailment such asa headache.

In further exemplary configurations, the apparatus may includereceptacles located adjacent to the substantially arc-shaped insetregion. These receptacles may retain, for example, removable heat orcold sources for treating physical ailments. A similar heat or coldsource may also be imbedded in the device. Other implementations of thepresent invention may include features related to audio or visualenhancements. For example, a snooze alarm may allow a user to rest for aspecific set amount of time, active (electronic) sound deadening mayfurther reduce environmental noise that otherwise might disturb awearer, and may also provide a sound interface for listening to amultimedia player. An ocular port may further be included in theapparatus so that light may be partially suppressed while still allowingthe wearer to see.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be further understood from the following detaileddescription of a preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction withappended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 discloses an example configuration for a worn apparatus inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 discloses the exemplary worn apparatus of FIG. 1 being applied inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 discloses an exemplary structural diagram for a worn apparatus inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 discloses an alternative operational mode for the worn apparatusof FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 discloses an exemplary diagram of an alternative structuralconfiguration for a worn apparatus in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 discloses an exemplary diagram of an alternative structuralconfiguration for a worn apparatus in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 discloses an exemplary configuration for a worn apparatusincluding a temperature control system in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 discloses an exemplary configuration for a worn apparatusincluding receptacles in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 discloses an exemplary configuration for a worn apparatusincluding at least one insert in accordance with at least one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 10 discloses an exemplary configuration for a worn apparatusincluding at least one snooze timer in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 discloses an exemplary configuration for a worn apparatusincluding audio and visual related features in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the invention has been described in preferred embodiments, variouschanges can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention, as described in the appended claims.

The present invention, in accordance with at least one embodiment, isdirected to apparel that may be worn on the head. FIG. 1 discloses anexemplary configuration of apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 may be worn onthe head, for example like a winter hat. Apparatus 100 may include atleast a substantially arc-shaped inset region 102 and one or morecushioning components 104. Cushioning components 104 may be configuredto circumferentially wrap around apparatus 100 provide impact protectionand comfort for the head of the wearer. Sound deadening components 106may also be included in apparatus 100 to reduce background noise.

Now referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary application of apparatus 100 tothe head of a wearer in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention is now disclosed. Apparatus 100 is shown placed on thehead of wearer 200 extending from the top of the head down past eyelevel in order to shield the eyes of wearer 200 from ambient light.Cushioning components 104 surrounding apparatus 100 may provide comfortand protect wearer 200 from dirt and/or germs on the windows and/orwalls of public transportation, as well as absorbing unexpected impacts.For example, a person riding on a commuter train may wear apparatus 200while resting and lean against a wall or window. If the trainexperiences any bumps or other unexpected motion, then cushioningcomponents 104 may protect wearer 200 from any injury, and further, helpensure that wearer 200 may maintain his/her nap until it is time to exitthe train.

Apparatus 100 may be constructed from any pliable fabric or material.For example, a soft and comfortable material traditionally used inapparel would be appropriate given the possible applications forapparatus 100. Knits, weaves, fabrics and felts composed of naturaland/or man-made fibers may deliver the combination of durability,opaqueness and comfort required for apparatus 100. In addition, emergingmaterials like plastics and fleece blends, such as the fleece materialbrand named Polartech™ may be utilized alone or in combination toconstruct the various components comprising and/or integrated withinapparatus 100. More specifically, some components that may be integratedinto apparatus 100 may require materials with certain physicalproperties (e.g., the ability to retain fluid), and therefore, thesecomponents may be constructed of special materials different from thebody of apparatus 100.

Now referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary sectional view that transects aside wall of apparatus 100 is disclosed. Cushioning component 104 isshown as an assembly that is separate from, but coupled to, the sidewall of apparatus 100. However, cushioning component 104 is not limitedto this recited configuration. The shock absorbing regions may be formedvia a number of different manufacturing methods. For example, if theinside and outside side walls of apparatus 100 form an interior hollowspace as shown in FIG. 3, a seam may first be placed between the insideand outside layers to form one closed side of cushioning component 104,which may then be followed by the insertion of a shock absorbingmaterial. This material may similar to the fill used in making pillows,and therefore, may include such materials as goose down, cotton fill,foam rubber and other natural and man-made materials. After theinsertion of the fill, a second seam may be laid down between the innerand outer walls of apparatus 100 in order to create a closed compartmentretaining the shock absorbing fill. The closed compartment may form onecushioning component 104, which may be followed by additional fill andseams forming more cushioning components 104. Also, cushioning component104 may be constructed as a sub-assembly unit separate from apparatus100 that may be later coupled to apparatus 100.

The exemplary sectional view of FIG. 3 also discloses an optionalsemi-rigid insert 300 that may be coupled to apparatus 100. In at leastone embodiment, insert 300 may be imbedded within the thickness (e.g.,within the hollow interior formed by the inside and outside layers) ofapparatus 100 and may be retained with seam 302. Insert 300 may help tomaintain the shape and opacity of the bottom region of apparatus 300,ensuring that it continues to mask light and/or sound from reachingwearer 200. Insert 300 may be made of semi-rigid material like plastic,rubber, cardboard, etc. The material in semi-rigid insert 300 should beable to flex but then return to its original shape. Further, insert 300may be located adjacent to arc-shaped inset region 103 and may, forexample, circle the all or part of the periphery of apparatus 100, inorder to bolster the light blocking and/or sound dampening abilities ofapparatus 100.

FIG. 4 discloses an exemplary apparatus 100 configured in an alternativemode. In at least one embodiment, insert 300 may flex to permit thebottom of apparatus 100 to be folded or rolled-up, as shown at 124, sothat the rolled portion 400 may emulate the bottom of an existing headcovering, such as a winter hat. This may be beneficial in at least onescenario, wherein wearer 200 does not have to carry a separate headcovering (e.g., on a cool day) and also apparatus 100. Instead, wearer200 may don apparatus 100 when he/she leaves home. Upon finding a placesuitable to nap or rest, wearer 200 may then simply fold the lowerextremity of apparatus 100 down to cover his/her eyes and ears in orderto rest without being disturbed by the activity occurring around them.Apparatus 100 further ensures that while implemented in a light and/orsound blocking mode, the breathing of wearer 200 will not be impededsince arc-shaped inset 102 may provide light and/or sound blockingwithout obstructing the nose or mouth area.

Then, when wearer 200 is ready to become active again (e.g., arrives athis/her destination, simply done sleeping, etc.) he/she may simply stowthe lower part of apparatus 100 to reform rolled portion 306 and covertit back into a more traditional-looking cap. Depending on the materialemployed in manufacture, apparatus 100 is not specifically limited tocooler weather wear. For example, a lighter and/or more breathable fibermay be employed in versions that may be utilized in warmer weather. Alsodisclosed in FIG. 4, at least one retaining device 402 may be employedsuch as straps fastened with Velcro closures, snaps, buckles, buttonsetc. in order to maintain the lower extremity of apparatus 100 in rolledconfiguration 400, and also, to possibly provide additional decorationfor apparatus 100 when worn in the rolled mode.

FIG. 5 discloses another option for constructing apparatus 100. Insteadof having one or more separate cushioning components 104 attached a corehead-covering component, the whole of apparatus 100 may be constructedof a plurality of coupled cushioning components 104. The exemplaryconfiguration of FIG. 5 discloses at least three cushioning components104 that are coupled end-to-end in order to form the wall or shell ofapparatus 100. Various benefits may be realized through thisconfiguration with respect to both the construction and operation ofapparatus 100. Initially, construction may become simpler for highvolume production because apparatus 100 may be broken down intosubassemblies or “modules” that may be separately pre-assembled and thenlater coupled in final assembly process. Further, depending on thematerials utilized, separate components like insert 300 or soundblocking component 106 may be omitted. The functionality of apparatus100 may likewise improve because impact protection and comfort of thedevice may ultimately increase with the addition of more cushioning.

As set forth above, additional cushioning may lead to additional comfortand protection in apparatus 100. FIG. 6 discloses an alternativeconfiguration wherein the sides of apparatus 100 may be composed offluid-filled cushioning components 600. The fluid employed in fillingthese hollow chambers may be a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid (e.g., water,gel, etc.). These chambers may be permanently filled, for example filledduring the manufacturing process with the intention that fluidcushioning components 600 retain the fluid until disposal, oralternatively, wearer 200 may fill fluid cushioning components 600 atwill. In the case of permanently filled fluid cushioning components 600,a fluid may be chosen based on certain properties in the fluid, forexample, related to maintaining a temperature for an extended period oftime. For example, the liquid may be enabled to retain heat and/or cold.In this way, wearer 200 may apply heat or cold to apparatus 100 via atemperature-controlled environment (e.g., refrigerator, freezer, oven,microwave, etc.) in order to set the filler fluid at a certaintemperature. Apparatus 100 may then be worn in order to cure oralleviate a physical malady such as headache, sinus congestion, etc.

In this latter configuration (“fill-at-will”), fluid cushioningcomponents 600 may be coupled together via holes or ports 604 as shownin FIG. 6. These fluid access ports may exist between fluid cushioningcomponents 600 themselves, or the components may be further connectedvia coupling members 606 (e.g. tubes, channels, pipes, etc.). Throughthis coupling, wearer 200 may add fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) toapparatus 100 at will through exterior access port 602. In this way,Apparatus 100, when stored, may be maintained in an extremely smallform. Then when wearer 200 desires to use apparatus 100, fluid may beadded to fluid cushioning components 600 through exterior access port602 (e.g., apparatus 100 may be inflated) to a form that will providethe cushioning, light and noise protection needed for resting.

A further exemplary application of fluid cushioning components 600 isdisclosed in FIG. 7. Circulation device 700 is now added to apparatus100. Circulation device 700 may include at least a pump and atemperature controller. The pump may include a power switch 702 toprovide power control for a low voltage electric motor driven pump. Thetemperature control may include a low voltage electronic temperaturesource, such as a peltier or resistor-driven heater, that is controlledby switch 704. Switch 704 may be utilized simply to change the mode ofthe temperature control from heat to cool, or alternatively, may allowwearer 200 to set a desired temperature. Circulation device 700 may bepowered by an on-board power source such as a battery, or may receivepower through a coupling to a stationary source (e.g., a wall socket).

Circulation device 700 may be coupled to at least one fluid cushioningcomponent 600 through coupling members 706 and 716 (e.g. tubes,channels, pipes, etc). In this example, fluid is drawn down throughfluid cushioning components 600 via access port 710 to 712 to 714. Thisfluid is then pumped from access port 714 through coupling member 716 tocirculation device 700. The fluid passed through the temperature controlso that it may be returned to the desired temperature (e.g. as set byswitch 704) and then is moved via the pump back into fluid cushioningcomponents 600 through coupling member 706 and access port 708. Arrow718 further indicates that additional fluid cushioning components 600may be included in apparatus 100, as needed. Through this exemplaryimplementation of the present invention, fluid may be continuouslyconveyed through fluid cushioning components 600 and maintained at adesired temperature, the effect of which may be used to treat variousphysical ailments in wearer 200.

FIGS. 8 and 9 disclose further examples of the present inventionconfigured to possibly treat certain maladies experienced by wearer 200.FIG. 8 includes receptacles 800 and 802 adjacent to arc-shaped inset102. Receptacles 800 and 802 may be, for example, pockets implementedwith or without retaining devices (Velcro closures, snaps, buckles,buttons etc.) for holding various sources of heat or cold. Thesesources, such as heat packs that may be heated in the microwave or mayheat via chemical reaction (e.g., when exposed to air) and cold packsthat may be refrigerated, may be inserted as shown at 804 and 806 inFIG. 8 into receptacles 800 and 702, respectively, in order to providetreatment or relief for headaches, colds, sinus pain, etc.

FIG. 9 discloses a similar implementation of heat/cold sources, exceptin this example the heat/cold sources may be permanently-inserted inapparatus 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention. Source 900 may be permanently inserted in apparatus 100 forgranting relief and/or comfort to wearer 200. In this configuration,wearer 200 may place the entire apparatus 100 in a refrigerator orfreezer to cool source 900 to a desired temperature. Alternatively, inthe case of heat sources, the entire apparatus 100 may be heated inaccordance with known methods to raise source 900 to the desiredapplication temperature.

FIG. 10 discloses a configuration of the present invention that mayfurther include sleep timer 1000 installed in, or within close proximityto, sound-deadening components 106. An exemplary implementation of timer1000 may include a display (e.g. LCD or LED) to display a countdown timeand also buttons 1004 for setting the countdown time. The countdowntime, for example 15 minutes, may be set by wearer 200 to indicate theamount of time desired for rest. After start button “S” 1006 isdepressed, sleep timer 1000 may count down from the time set in display1002 until 0, at which time an alarm may be sounded to indicate towearer 200 that his/her nap is concluded. In this way, wearer 200 maynot miss an event, such as a meeting or a desired exit point from publictransportation due to the sound/light blocking of apparatus 100.

FIG. 11 discloses further features that may be included in apparatus100. Active (electronic) noise suppression components 110 may beincorporated into apparatus 100 to provide better insulation fromenvironmental noise. These devices may be enabled to receive outsidesound waves and create inverse sound waves to create a cancellationeffect. Further, these devices may also include inwardly-facing speakerthat may be coupled to an external music player, such as a radio, tapedeck, CD player, MP3 player, DVD player, etc. through a cord and plug.In this way, wearer 200 may screen out environmental noise but stillenjoy audio programs while resting. For example, wearer 200 may listento music, talk radio, speeches, recorded books, instructionalpresentations, natural sounds that induce pleasant sleep, etc.

Ocular port 1102 is also shown in FIG. 11. Ocular port 1102 may becomposed of clear or tinted plastic, glass or any other material knownin the art for visors or eyewear. In at least one embodiment of thepresent invention, ocular port 1102 may be heavily tinted so that wearer200 may still be able to partially see what is occurring outsideapparatus 200 while still be mostly shielded from irritating or annoyingenvironmental illumination. In this way, wearer 200 may still rest ornap while still being aware of events occurring around him/her. This maybe essential if wearer 200 is forced to sleep, rest and/or nap in busyor heavily-trafficked area.

Accordingly, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant artthat various changes in form a and detail can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. The breadth andscope of the present invention should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only inaccordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a head-covering component, the headcovering component extending from the top of the head down past the eyearea of a wearer to block at least ambient light; the head-coveringcomponent including a substantially arc-shaped inset region, thesubstantially arc-shaped inset region configured to allow the nose ofthe wearer to protrude out of the apparatus; and the head-coveringcomponent further including one or more cushioning components, thecushioning components being configured to circumferentially surround thehead-covering component in order to provide cushioning to the head ofthe wearer.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprisingsound-dampening components coupled to, or formed within, thehead-covering component and located proximate to a wearer's ears.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a semi-rigid insert, thesemi-rigid insert being composed of at least a flexible material thatreturns to an original configuration after being manipulated, and islocated within the thickness of the head-covering component adjacent tothe substantially arc-shaped inset region.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a retention device coupled to the head-coveringcomponent, the retention device configured to retain the lower extremityof the head covering component when worn in a rolled-up configuration.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning components areformed by dividing the head-covering component into sections that arefilled with a shock-absorbing material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the cushioning components are filled with a shock-absorbingmaterial and are formed separately from the head-covering component. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning components are filledwith solid filler material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecushioning components are filled with a fluid filler material, the fluidfiller material including at least one of a liquid or a gas.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least some of the head-coveringcomponent is comprised of a plurality of coupled cushioning components.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cushioning components arecoupled together in fluid communication through one or more ports formedbetween the plurality of cushioning components, the ports beingconfigured to allow a fluid to pass from one cushioning component toanother cushioning component.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein atleast one of the plurality of cushioning components includes an accessport, the access port being configured to allow the fluid to and fromthe apparatus.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising acirculation device coupled to at least one cushioning component of theplurality of cushioning components, the circulation device including atleast a pump, a temperature control and one or more control switches.13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising receptacles formed inthe head-covering component located adjacent to the substantiallyarc-shaped inset region.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein thereceptacles are pockets formed in the head-covering component, thepockets being configured to receive a heat or cold source.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heat or cold source imbeddedin the thickness of the head-covering adjacent to the substantiallyarc-shaped inset region.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a timer coupled to the head-covering component, the timerbeing configured to count down from a predetermined time and sound analarm when the predetermined time has expired.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the timer further includes an interface usable to setthe predetermined time and start/reset the timer.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising electronic sound deadening componentscoupled to the head-covering component and located adjacent to the earsof the wearer, the electronic sound deadening components beingconfigured to actively cancel out environmental noise.
 19. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising sound reproduction components coupled tothe head-covering component and located adjacent to the ears of thewearer, the sound reproduction components being configured to furthercouple to an electronic multimedia device.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an ocular port coupled to the head-coveringcomponent, the ocular port being tinted and located adjacent to thesubstantially arc-shaped inset region.